Jeff Locke struggled in his second start of the spring, allowing three runs on four hits in a losing effort against the Red Sox on Friday. Locke walked two and struck out three in the game. All of the damage came in the first inning though, and Locke was able to settle in nicely afterwards. With Francisco Liriano's status still up in the air, Locke could pitch his way into the Opening Day rotation with a strong spring. He's displayed solid strikeout potential in the minor leagues and is worth a flier in the reserve rounds of deeper mixed leagues.

Jeff Locke turned in three hitless innings as the Pirates beat a Rays split-squad 3-2 on Saturday. Locke likely stands sixth on the Pirates' SP depth chart, but he could get Francisco Liriano's spot to open the season if Liriano isn't fully recovered from his broken right arm. Given his modest upside, he wouldn't rate more than a late reserve pick in NL-only leagues.

Jeff Locke walked five but allowed just two hits and one run over six innings to pick up his first major league win in Monday's 2-1 victory over the Braves. Locke also struck out six. It's the best start of the young left-hander's career, as he only put up one quality start in his previous five tries. Locke has put up some nice numbers in the minors, but he finishes the year with a 5.50 ERA and 1.37 WHIP and will likely begin next year back at Triple-A.

Jeff Locke was lit up again Wednesday, surrendering five runs on nine hits and a walk over just 3 2/3 frames in a loss to the Mets. Locke had a nice year at Triple-A Indianapolis, but he hasn't looked ready for prime time, giving up five runs in three of five starts while posting a 6.35 ERA and 1.41 WHIP overall. He'll close out the year next week with a start against the Braves.

Jeff Locke struggled in a losing effort against the Astros on Friday, allowing three runs on three hits in five innings of work. Locke was able to pile up eight strikeouts in the game while walking three. The only blemish on his evening was a three-run homer that was served up to Jed Lowrie in the first inning. He was able to settle in nicely afterwards, and at least kept his team in the ballgame. The young left-hander has posted an 0-2 record, 5.47 ERA and 23/5 K/BB ratio through his first 24 2/3 innings on the season. He'll go in search of his first victory when he takes on the Mets in New York on Wednesday.

Jeff Locke has been named as the Pirates' starting pitcher for Monday's series opener against the Astros. Initially, there was speculation that he would start on Saturday, with A.J. Burnett getting pushed back until Sunday. However, with Jeff Karstens set to miss at least one start, the Pirates were forced to re-arrange their rotation. The owner of a career 2.48 ERA and 131/43 K/BB ratio over 141 minor league innings, Locke could be worth a gamble as a matchup play.

Pirates recalled LHP Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis. Locke is taking Erick Bedard's spot in the starting rotation Saturday. The 25-year-old made two appearances with the Pirates earlier this month and owns a 2.48 ERA and 131/43 K/BB ratio over 141-plus minor league innings. A.J. Burnett is being pushed back to Sunday.

The Pirates are expected to call up left-hander Jeff Locke to start Saturday against the Brewers. Locke, not Kyle McPherson, will take Erik Bedard's spot in the starting rotation. A.J. Burnett was previously expected to start, but he'll presumably be pushed back to Sunday. Locke made two appearances with the Pirates earlier this month and owns a 2.48 ERA and 131/43 K/BB ratio over 141 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level.

Pirates recalled LHP Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis. Locke has a solid 2.66 ERA and 113/38 K/BB ratio over 21 starts at the Triple-A level this year. However, the 24-year-old southpaw will likely be used as a long reliever in the big leagues.

Pirates recalled LHP Jeff Locke from Triple-A Indianapolis. He'll provide an extra bullpen arm for a few days while Jason Grilli is on the bereavement list. Locke boasts a 3.02 ERA and 36/10 K/BB ratio over 47 2/3 innings at Indy this season.